I have been a student ambassador since the first year of my studies. I applied for this role as it gives me the flexibility to choose hours that fit alongside my university work schedule.
The majority of my shifts are between 9am and 5pm - Monday to Friday, with occasional shifts on a Saturday if there is an event taking place. Most of my lectures are on a Tuesday so I don’t work as an ambassador on that day.
I use my free time between lectures to complete some of my uni work, usually in the canteen or social spaces. If I have been working a shift during the day, I aim to complete one to two hours of study when I get home.
Typically, I undertake a weekly shift for the Course Enquiries team where I answer emails and phones. I also take school groups around the university and participate in sessions. These sessions take place in classrooms and in the Young Scientist Centre with them. I also input data for the Alumni team and train other Student Ambassadors about the campus. At the weekends I work at open days and applicant day events to help deliver campus tours and subject sessions for prospective students.
The role helps me financially as it pays better than most jobs in Preston. This allows me to work less hours for the same amount of pay, plus I get the flexibility of choosing my own hours. I save the money I earn to enable me to go on holidays and social activities like bowling, going to the cinema and day trips to cities like Manchester and Liverpool with my friends.
I use a diary and timetable to help me balance and schedule both my uni work and my shifts as a student ambassador. I write down all my lectures and hours I am working so I know what I am doing each day. I plan in all of my assignments and exams, I aim to do them as soon as they are set, so that I have the longest time possible to complete and check them. I create checklists for the work I need to complete such as writing up lecture notes, writing assignments and tutorial work so that I can check them off once completed. I plan each week, listing out what I want to achieve each day/week.
When I have assignments and exams I do not work as many hours in my ambassador role so that I can pay the necessary time and attention to my studies. Weekends and evenings are my contingency time where I complete any outstanding uni work and see friends. During the holidays or reading weeks I tend to go home. I usually don't work any ambassador shifts so that I have a break from university and I am able to focus on any work I need to complete.
Being a student ambassador is a great opportunity because of how flexible the shifts are. This allows me to prioritise university when I have lots of deadlines and pick up more shifts at quieter times.
It's easy to become a student ambassador and the roles available are varied and can help you build skills that will benefit you after you graduate